Lincoln Boys Win 45th District Championship

Lincoln led after one, but trailed for most of the second and third quarter, by as many as eleven points in the second. Heading into the fourth quarter, LC was down 45-40. LC buckled up the defense, holding Danville to four fourth quarter points and pulled out the victory 54-49.

Danville got their first basket with 2:55 left in the fourth quarter. LC's defense allowed them to get back in the game, and finally pull out the win. Lincoln could have made life a lot easier if they had done a better job on the boards.

Congrats on winning the 45th district championship boys!

Spurlin-23
Allison-8
Gilbert-12
Hill-2
Long-3
Edgington-6

Taylor-16 for Danville

Lady Pats are 45th District Champs

Congratulations to the Lady Pats. They totally dominated the district all year...

LC-44

BC-31

On to the regional tournament @ Pulaski County.

LC Escapes in OT, 59-49

Did that really happen?

Not a very good game to watch, LC seemed tight, and disinterested. But, they got the win, and that's all that matters. Win and advance, that's the name of the game at this time of the year. The win guarantees LC a spot in the region.

They will get a chance to defend their district title on Friday night against Danville.

Lady Pats Advance to District Championship

Defense! Defense! Defense!

That's about all that needs to be said. The Lady Pats held the Lady Admirals to two points and no field goals in the first half at Boyle County on Tuesday night in the first round of the 45th district tournament. They led 23-2 at the half, and went on to win 48-27.

The Lady Pats defense finally had a three quarter field goal-less streak snapped when Danville made their first one with 7 minutes to go in the third quarter. The streak extended all the way back to the last game against Casey, were they held them without a single point in the 4th quarter last Friday. The girls gave up 2pts in 3 quarters....... WOW!

The next game will be for the 45th district championship on Thursday night at 7:30.

Here is a look at the stat's:

Henderson- 14pts, 13 rebounds
Upchurch-13pts
Brown- 6pts, 6 rebounds, 6 blocks

Step 1: District Title

You don't necessarily have to win the district, but it does help a little heading into the regional tourney. What you have to do is win the first round game. The top two seeds from each of the four districts get to play in the region tournament. The advantage that winning the district does is allow you to play a runner-up in the first round of the region.

I think the girls will easily win the district, they haven't had a game within 15pts all season in 45th district play. They will play Danville on Tuesday, then probably play Boyle County on their home court for the championship.

The boys will open with Boyle County on their home court. The pats haven't had much trouble with Boyle this season, beating them by 21 in Stanford and by 17 in Boyle County on the 14th of this month. I expect the Pats to beat BC, then beat Garrard for the 45th District Championship.

Then, on to the 12th Region tournament. Where a lot of experts, are already making their picks for Sweet 16 contenders. Jody Demling, who I consider to be one of the best High School basketball guru's in the state, is picking the Pats to 3-peat. He likes the Rockets on the girls side.http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/blog.html

8th Grade State Tourney

The once beaten Lincoln County Middle School Eagles head to Lexington to play in the state tournament this weekend. Updates and comments are welcomed....

LC-43
Hayes-17


Round of 32
LC-46
Meece-39

Sweet 16
LC-41
LCA-31

Elite 8
52-54 OT (loss)

Great season for the 8th grade team, along with the rest of the boys and girls middle school teams.

LC vs. Casey County

Well, for the first time this season the Lady Pats lost a 12th region basketball game. It was a hard fought game for 32 minutes, the girls came up 1 pts short. Losing 31-30.

LC had a shot to win it, even though they were severely out rebounded and only scored 23pts through the first 3 quarters. Casey led 31-23 entering the 4th. Then LC did the unthinkable, they pitched a shutout in the 4th quarter. Casey County did not score a single point in the 4th. That's the good news, the bad news is that LC only scored 7. They needed 8. They had a shot to win it, but missed a shot with four seconds left and time expired as they fought for the rebound. The final seconds were not without controversy. It appeared that Casey fouled LC as they inbounded the ball, but nothing was called and LC went on to get off a shot and miss it.

The boys struggled for the better part of the first half, but were sparked when junior Dillon Allison scored 5 straight points to end the 1st half. LC came out and blew the game open in the 3rd quarter, and went on to win 69-56.

LC got a big effort from senior Skyler Gilbert, 21pts. Ethan Spurlin did a good job of distributing and rebounding. The boys shared the ball well, and took good shots. Two good signs going into tourney time. The one thing I didn't think they did well was defend the 3pt line. Way too many open shots for the Rebels.

Coach Jackson started and ended the game with the five seniors (Ethan Spurlin, Seth Ellis, Trevor Edgington, Cody Wills and Skyler Gilbert) on the court. Seth Ellis knocked down a big three to start the game.

New Offensive Coordinator

Craig Yeast will be the new offensive coordinator for Lincoln County. He was a member of the staff last year, he will be running the offense this year. Just think about how good those UK glory days were with Couch and Yeast. I would like to see LC run pass happy offense...

Congrats to Coach Yeast.

Hard to Beat the Recruiters

What a crazy and exciting game. Lincoln jumped out to a 23-9 lead against the 6th ranked Lexington Catholic University. Catholic came roaring back and took a 20pt lead in the third quarter. Lincoln then made another run and got it down to 3 in the 4th quarter, but eventually fell 76-63. Catholic outscored the Pats by 10 the last two minutes.

Great games from Zach Hill and Trenton Edgington. Hill got the start, and didn't disappoint. I've been wanting to see him get more minutes all year. He is a great young talent, and an energy player. Probably the best pure rebounder on the team. Trenton came in and hit a big three in the 4th quarter.

Vee Sanford had 17 for Vee Sanford.

Here's a look at the scoring:

Spurlin-22
Hill-13
Gilbert-14
Edgington-8
Trenton Edgington-3
Long-3

Lady Pats in a Romp, 69-26

It was over fast, like by the end of the 1st quarter. The Lady Pats were sporting a 24-5 lead at the end of the 1st. It was a good chance for Coach Story to get some youngsters some clock. They went on to win the game

The Lady Pats are really rolling. Just blowing teams out, with suffocating defense. They have held teams without field goals for whole quarters!!!

Congrats to Niki Bustle, 8 three pointers... WOW!

Here's a look at the scoring:

UpChurch-12pts
Bustle-26pts
Brown-10pts
Henderson-8pts
Spangler-2pts
Fox-2pts
Smith-4pts
Coleman-2pts
Tinsley-4pts

BRING ON THE REBELS!!!

Lexington Catholic University Comes to Stanford

The boys will step out of region play and host Lexington Catholic on Tuesday night. Should be an interesting match up. Catholic is down a little this year, however they still have the second best record in the 11th region and are 18-7. If you get a chance, come to the game. Catholic has a great D1 prospect at point guard, Vee Sanford. A kid that is getting a lot of looks, and has scholarship offers from UK, Miami and Bradley.

It is not outside the realm of possibilities for LC to pull off this upset. West Jessamine, a team LC beat by 17 early in the year, just beat Lex Cath about a month ago by 10 points. A high scoring affair, 102-92.

McCreary Central @ Lincoln County

The Lady Pats look to keep it rolling tonight, and stay undefeated in the 12 region play. The Lady Pats won the top seed in the 45th district last Saturday, when they blew Boyle County off of their home court. Now they look to finish the season unblemished inside of the region against McCreary Central and Casey County on Friday.

*The Lady Pats are winners of seven in a row, and 13 out of their last 14.
*McCreary Central has a record of 6-19 (0-6)
*Lincoln County is 21-4, (6-0, 13-0) Only undefeated team inside of the 12th region.
*Only two regular season games left, tonight and Friday night. Both at home.

Rating the State

The Lincoln County Lady Patriots are ranked 16th in the state, in the latest version of the Cantrall ratings. That is great, however it only puts them third in the 12th region. Behind Rockcastle (who LC beat) and Casey (play this Friday). I usually think this is the most reliable high school rankings, but in this case I have to disagree with Dave. LC is #1. Speaks volumes about how good the 12th regions girls is.

Lincoln County boys check in at second in 12th region, just behind West Jessamine. The 12th region doesn't have a team in the top 25. However, it is a very balanced and even region. There are eight teams that could win, in my opinion.

http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/696278.html (click here to see full rankings)

Girls and Boys Clinch One Seed

Owned!!!

No better way to celebrate V-day...

A regular season sweep, and clinching the top seed on Boyle's home court. Two humiliating blow outs. The Lady Pats continued their dominance, winning 69-44. Finished the season undefeated in the 45th district.

The boys followed that up with a beat down of their own, winning 57-40.

Big Weekend of 45th District Basketball

The girls and boys both have a big weekend ahead, and I'm not referring to Valentines day.

Both squads are in the drivers seat in the 45th district. It's simple, you win out and you are the one seed. The quest starts tonight in Danville, where at 6pm the girls will take on the Lady Admirals. The Lady Pats have won 11 or their last 12, and are undefeated in the 45th district and in the 12th region. They have totally dominated in district play. Their closest game was a fifteen point victory over Garrard nearly a month ago.

The boys are in the drivers seat too. Danville beat Garrard last week, opening the door for Lincoln County. If the Pats can beat Danville and Boyle they are the 1 seed. LC has split the two games against Danville this season. Losing by a buzzer beater in a Christmas tournament, and a blow out victory in Stanford. LC has been playing well, with the exception of the loss on Tuesday night.

I fully expect both squads to take care of business.

Not a Good Night, Pats Fall 62-38

The Pats dropped a tough at home Tuesday night to Southwestern Pulaski. SW slowed the game down, and it really bothered LC. Lincoln didn't seem to play with same fire that they had in the last few games. Four games in six days caught up to the Pats. The loss ends LC's undefeated home season.

LC had won five in a row, the lost dropps them to 14-8, 11-3 region. The score go out of hand in the fourth quarter.

Another 1000 Point Scorer

Ethan Spurlin went over the 1000 point (career) scoring mark Tuesday night in Stanford. Spurlin is the fourth player in the last two seasons to do so. Last year, Ryan Young, Noah Keeton and Daniel Ralston all joined the 1000 pt club. It is hard to believe one team produced four 1000 pt scorers. It is rare to see four 1000 pt scorers in the same starting lineup.

Ethan Spurlin Named McDonald's All American Nominee

Ethan Spurlin is getting a lot of statewide and nationwide respect. He has been named as a 2009 McDonald's All American Game Nominee. The list is comprised of the top ranked senior players in the United States.

This is good recognition for an outstanding senior. Congrats...


http://www.mcdonaldsallamerican.com/2009%20Boys_Girls%20List%20for%20WEBSITE%20-%20State.pdf

Home Sweet Home

Lincoln County avenged their worse loss, in three years, in the 12th region by defeating Garrard Co. 61-50 in Stanford on Monday night.

LC got a huge game from senior Ethan Spurlin. Spurlin led all scorers with 32 points, 20 in the 1st half. The win keeps LC perfect at home, and puts them in 1st in the 45th district and runs their region record to 12-2. At this point, they have cemented themselves as a favorite for a 3-peat.

No time for rest. The Pats get back after tomorrow night against SW Pulaski, another 12th region contender, then have two important games this weekend. Danville on Friday and Boyle County on Saturday. LC needs those two games to clinch the 1 seed in the district tournament.

The Pats are playing good ball, winners of 5 straight. They are now 14-7 overall.

FREE ADMISSION

Everyone make there best effort to get to the game tomorrow night in Stanford between LC and Garrard County. This is the makeup game for the scoreboard game, and is a VERY BIG game. The winner will be in the driver seat for the district 1 seed. Garrard will actually be the 1 seed if they win, we won't have to worry about that happening though.

Seriously, it's free admission. No reason not to go, probably the two best teams in the 12th region. The Pats need to bring it, because Garrard whipped us over in Lancaster, it's payback time!!!

Wear red, get there early, and be loud.

Lincoln Sweeps Another 12th Region Foe

Lincoln County pulled their normal 12th region sweep Friday night in Stanford. The girls won the first game 45-43, and the boys won the nightcapper 58-53.

The win didn't come easy for either team. The girls trailed most of the night, and by as many as 11 in the second half. They were down 9 to start the fourth quarter. The momentum seemed swing after Head Coach Don Story was hit with a technical foul. The girls came all the back and eventually took the lead on a Nikki Bustle three pointer. Mercer tied the game late, Lincoln took the lead for good on a put back by Kiera Henderson with :18 to go.

The boys were involved in a back forth, up and down game all night with Mercerburg Scottie Titans. LC took the lead for good in the third quarter on an Ethan Spurlin three pointer. LC never relinquished the lead after that shot, going on to win 58-53. Spurlin led all scorers with 25 points.

Next up for the boys, the Lancaster Burger House Golden Lions. It's payback time.....I hope.

Pats Dominate Raiders

LC put a good old fasion butt whoop'en on the the McCreary Central Raiders in Stanford on Thursday. LC fell down early 5-0, then proceded to go on an 11-0 run and never looked back. The Pats totally dominated 3 1/2 quarters and went on to win 70-54.

The Pats were led in scoring by Ethan Spurlin, with 32 points. Edgington pitched in 15. Spurlin made a statement tonight. He showed he is the best player in the region, badly outplaying Aaron Watts.

This was a big win for LC. This runs their record to 12-7 (2-1, 10-2 region). More importantly, it's three straight for the Pats at a very integrial part of the season. They now control their own destiny in the 45th. Next up, Mercer County. Then a big rematch with the Golden Lions.

Lincoln Co. 71, Monticello 34

LC went down to Wayne County and blew out Monticello. Good game to get some youngsters some experience. 10 players scored, leading all scorers was Ethan Spurlin with 20.

Catching Up

Wow, it's been bad times in Lincoln County. However, people are working together and getting through the hard times. That's how Patriots do it.

The boys and girls both badly defeated Somerset last Saturday night. The double header against Boyle County was postponed. It will have to be made up, because it is a district game. The boys are scheduled to play Monticello tonight, down there. Weather permitting.... of course. I haven't heard if they are going to make up the McCreary Central game yet.

Tomorrow is national signing day (college football). If anyone has any football news to pass on about ex-Patriots, the let us know. Post it on this blog. I am sure a few of the kids off last years team will end up somewhere.

Stay warm...